€€€Seasonal Cuisine, Grills
Zino Jacobs and Arthur Doppée enjoy grilling and smoking ingredients over a live fire, as the smoky, wood-burning aromas reveal as you enter the trendily appointed Ember. This flame-licked focus is central, but veggies from their own kitchen garden also play a major role. Both chefs are committed to a zero-waste ethos as their set menu illustrates. The food is unconventional, deftly crafted and underpinned by fresh, acidic notes. They might grill hispi cabbage and celeriac to accentuate the depth of Brasvar pork, which is flanked by a gravy enhanced with crushed hazelnuts, grilled almonds and
€€€Creative French, Fusion
Graffiti on the walls and a homemade tropical tree hung with brightly coloured leaves set the scene in this fun, offbeat eatery. Thibault Van Stratum cooks instinctively and frequently finds his inspiration in Asia. Highly creative fusion cuisine brimming in influences, illustrated by croaker and marinated mussels jazzed up by smoked oil-perfumed dashi.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Graspoort in Mechelen offers creative French fusion cuisine, praised for high-quality ingredients and surprising flavor profiles, including subtle Asian influences. The atmosphere is relaxed and stylish, though the compact space often feels crowded and noisy, hindering conversation. Service experiences vary significantly; while many appreciate the friendly welcome, others report unacceptable delays between courses and poor attentiveness. The restaurant operates exclusively on set menus without à la carte options. Due to limited seating, advance reservations are essential. Diners should expect a focus on culinary creativity over consistent service speed or acoustic comfort.
Suitable for diners seeking unique creative cuisine who can tolerate a compact environment and variable service, with mandatory advance booking.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Ancient murals and untreated or designer materials paint the picture in this authentic 16C edifice, idyllically located at the foot of Saint Rumbold’s Tower. A glamorous vibe provides the perfect foil for the creative, international set menu. You can expect unusual dishes such as a barbecued slice of watermelon with crumbly feta, pieces of herring, pistachios and crunchy rice noodles. An apparently classical façade hides a treasure trove of surprises. While you’re there, take the time to explore The (wine) Cellar boutique and The Chapel, ideal for events and special occasions.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Mechelen, The Chick offers modern cuisine with generally high praise for food quality and unique pairings. Guests frequently commend the professional sommelier and distinctive wine list featuring rare regions. The atmosphere is described as warm and cozy, with attentive service that handles dietary needs flexibly. However, some reviews note inconsistent pacing, including long waits between courses. A minority of critics found dishes lacking creativity, small in portion, or bland, considering the experience overpriced relative to the value provided. While most visitors enjoy a refined dining experience, occasional service inefficiencies and mixed opinions on taste and portion size suggest variability. It suits those seeking a sophisticated culinary journey, though expectations regarding speed and consistency should be managed.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and unique wine experiences, though managing expectations on service pacing is advised.
€€Sharing, Contemporary
The bright, hip, relaxed vibe of this restaurant immediately sets everyone at ease. This enthusiasm is further enhanced when you take a glance at the menu which sports a wide range of dishes to be shared, countless vegetarian suggestions and excellent side dishes – bravo! An unusual formula and heart-warming international influences.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Cosma in Mechelen offers contemporary sharing cuisine with an average rating of 4.2/5. Food quality is a strong point, with praised items including steak tartare, seafood, and generous portions, alongside gluten-free options. The atmosphere is cozy and trendy, suitable for large groups. Service is generally welcoming, though some guests report long waits or indifferent attitudes. Value is mixed; while some find prices honest, others consider the cost high, especially when adding sides to expensive mains. Occasional complaints cite overcooked octopus and shrimp. It is a solid choice for food lovers willing to navigate potential service inconsistencies.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality shared meals who can tolerate occasional service variability.
€€Organic
Words such as “organic” and “local” are far more than trendy or faddish for Maarten Van Essche, starting with the lovely natural interior of this former presbytery. His menu keeps pace with the seasons: when the tomatoes are ripe, he mixes them into a gutsy sauce with nduja and spelt pasta. When it’s mushroom season, he whips up his own version of the nation’s comfort food: mushrooms on toast. Free of fussy frills, Meteor seeks to showcase pure flavours.
€€€French Contemporary, International
Brothers Steven and Bart refuse to be hampered by a single style. As a result, you may sample an appetiser of fresh, mildly spicy baba ghanoush or a playful new twist on the traditional tomato-mozzarella bruschetta, followed by a rack of lamb in a rosemary jus. Versatile and talented, they create appetising set menus and a splendid à la carte lineup. Kim enthusiastically supervises the front-of-house, bending over backwards to ensure that you savour every morsel of your meal to the full. An elegant, neoteric industrial vibe with just the right dose of authenticity.